A SHOP owner who sold alcohol to a thirteen-year-old said he was remorseful as his licence was reviewed today.
Tahar Mohammed sold a can of Stella Artois to a 13-year-old test purchaser at his International Food Market shop in Commercial Road, Pill in October 2012, Newport council was told.
Mr Mohammad, who is also the owner of the shop, was later prosecuted and fined in Abergavenny Magistrates Court.
Yesterday, a request for additional conditions to be added to Mr Mohammed’s premises licence was heard before Newport council’s licensing committee.
Licensing officer, William Lewis, asked the committee to consider the serious risk to children and the protection of children. Chairing the committee was Councillor John Guy, joined by Councillors Charles Ferris and Margaret Cornelius.
Senior Trading Standards officer, James Nelmes, presented four recommended conditions to be added to Mr Mohammed’s licence.
The first condition recommended a Challenge 21 scheme to operate at the premises at all times. Identification must be checked for all people who appear to be less than 21-years-old.
The second condition stated that materials promoting this policy must be prominently displayed around the premises.
Mr Nelmes also recommended a refusal book be implemented. This is a register of refusals of sales of alcohol which should include date, time and reason of refusal. This should be kept up to date and made available for inspection.
The final condition states that staff should undergo a documented training scheme. Staff will not be allowed to serve alcohol until they have completed this training.
All recommendations were accepted by both the committee members and Mr Mohammed.
Addressing Tahar Mohammed, Chairman, Cllr Guy, said: “Do you perfectly understand your obligations? The responsibility is firmly on your shoulders.”
Representing Mr Mohammed, Latif Mohammed, said: “We are willing to abide all conditions the Trading Standards has asked for.”
Speaking on behalf of his client, he said: “He wishes to apologise to the bench for the incident and he is very remorseful.”
Cllr Guy said: “The four conditions will be attached with immediate effect.”
In his closing statement, Latif Mohammed said: “Mr Mohammad apologises profusely. We will take on board all the lessons put before him.”
On August 5, Mr Mohammed was fined £620 for breaches of the Licensing Act, and was also ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs and a £120 victim surcharge. He had pleaded guilty to all charges against him.
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